Haiti’s Cholera Epidemic

Haiti’s ongoing cholera outbreak has hit more than one out of every 20 Haitian men, women, and children. It is by far the worst epidemic of cholera in the past century and to date has killed well over 8,000 people… including many children.

How did it get started? Most scientists agree that the cholera bug was brought to Haiti after the 2010 earthquakes by U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal. When cholera tainted the Artibonite River, it infected the main source of water for much of the country.

Under normal circumstances, this would not have become an epidemic. But the lack of hygiene and sanitation infrastructure means than cholera is not contained. It spreads rapidly. In our area, the river is not safe to drink. Yet it is the main source of water for everyone who lives here.

This is the first outbreak of cholera in Haiti. We work extremely hard to maintain sanitary conditions and to keep the children safe. Friends of Humanity built a well that provides clean water for the orphanage and the hospital. But of course so much more could be done.

We treat many children who arrive with diseases that could be prevented with basic necessities and healthcare. We are very limited in terms of being able to provide antibiotics and intravenous hydration. Sadly, many children die who would recover quickly and easily in the U.S.

It is easy to forget about a country as poor as Haiti. We can’t save everyone but, YES, we are saving some… and helping them get the education that will enable them to save others.

So think of Friends of Humanity the next time you drink a glass of water.

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About Us

Friends of Humanity was formed in response to the desperate need in northwest Haiti. Chartered as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we are working in the region to transform despair into hope and desolation into dignity. Friends of Humanity is directly involved in this work and visits Haiti frequently to identify needs, provide personal oversight, and supply the priceless hugs no money can buy.

Heidi Hewes Cancer Association often contributes medicines, home care equipment, and medical equipment that can be shipped.

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We are extremely grateful for the donation of brand new commercial washers and dryers from a laundromat owner. This donation means laundry for the hospital and orphanage no longer has to be done by hand.

Thank You To Our Supporters

We would like to thank Tina Cornely and her nonprofit, Bridging Humanity, for collecting diapers and goods for House of Hope.
Thank you to Krystal Speeler for her donation of $600 to provide essential needs
We would like to thank the Rotary Club of Miami Shores for their ongoing support.
We are grateful to Great HealthWorks for a donation of $500 toward the Sanitation Project.

Event Photographers

Photography

Many of the photos were provided by David Greenwood-Haigh
Thank you to Andrew Hayward Smith for documenting our work in Port-de-Paix and at House of Hope
Thank you to Louicius Micius Eugene for his photos of rain-inundated Port-de-Paix
Photography also by Jorge Fusaro, Bill Tenney, Kathleen Monahan, and Jenny Reitz Comprére
A special thanks to Paul Morris of Morphoto, Inc.